USDA SECRETARY VILSACK ISSUES DISASTER DESIGNATIONS IN ILLINOIS

SPRINGFIELD, IL - USDA Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack issued a disaster declaration for three Illinois counties due to losses caused by tornadoes that occurred earlier this year. Tornadoes struck Marshall and Putnam counties July 14 and 15, 2024, and Henry County on July 15.

Counties contiguous to Marshall, Putnam and Henry counties are eligible for the same assistance. The contiguous counties include: Bureau, Knox, LaSalle, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark, Whiteside and Woodford.

"We appreciate the joint efforts of Governor JB Pritzker, Secretary Vilsack and the USDA to ensure Illinois farmers receive support to recover from these destructive storms," said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director. "Producers in declared counties should contact their local USDA Service Center to confirm eligibility."

A Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide emergency loans to producers recovering from natural disasters. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. Those eligible should contact their local USDA Service Center to ask questions or file a Notice of Loss.